According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnstonadd Jonathan Marchessault to a list of names the Montreal Canadiens may have some trade interest in. Johnston paired the Habs as a team to watch on the second episode of NHL trade matchmaker.
He writes:
“This is a move that would certainly suit Marchessault well, which is important considering he has that NMC in his contract. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would add some experience to the NHL’s youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top six forwards.”
If the Predators leave Marchessault — which is possible despite the team’s recent winning streak — the Canadiens seem like a logical fit. Pierre LeBrun mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Canadiens have a lot more work ahead of them than the Maple Leafs.
Can the Canadiens make this work? Patrick Laine?
Johnston added: “…facilitating a trade for Marchessault would require some money moving out the door, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit being the most obvious candidate to go.” It would be intriguing to see if the Predators would pick up Laine’s contract. Barry Trotz is known to be able to make big swings, but lately he has backfired on his efforts to turn the Preds into an immediate contender.
Marchessault is a hometown favorite, but he never played for the Canadiens during his NHL career. “The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fan base,” Johnston added. He played with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights before signing a lucrative deal with Nashville.
Next: Former Conn Smythe winner linked to matchup with Maple Leafs
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